Air Quality Management Areas under review

The six local Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) designated for elevated nitrogen dioxide levels are now under review following improvements in local air quality. 

We regularly assess air quality across Elmbridge as part of our duty as a council. This helps us work towards meeting national air quality objectives and ensure the air in our borough is safe and healthy. 

If air quality in an area does not meet national objectives, we must declare it an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and produce an action plan to improve conditions. 

Elmbridge has six AQMAs, declared between 2005 and 2013, when nitrogen dioxide levels exceeded the national limit of 40 µg/m³. Nitrogen dioxide mainly comes from vehicle emissions and energy generation. 

We monitor air quality in these areas every month and report the findings each year to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  

National guidance states that if pollutant levels fall to at least 10% below the national air quality objectives for three consecutive years, councils must consider revoking an AQMA. All six AQMAs in Elmbridge now meet this requirement, and we are seeking to revoke them. 

The fall in nitrogen dioxide levels reflects a national trend. Air quality has improved due to stricter vehicle emission standards, fewer older vehicles on the road and an increase in hybrid and electric cars. 

Cllr Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environmental Health, said: 

It is wonderful news that the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide levels have improved, and that we can review our AQMA status. However, we continue to encourage everyone to support cleaner air in Elmbridge by considering active travel, switching to renewable energy providers where possible and making small changes to support a healthier environment. The wellbeing of our residents is important to us.  Once the AQMA’s are revoked we will replace our Air Quality Action Plan with a new Air Quality Strategy demonstrating the council’s continuing commitment to improving local air quality. 

Full details of the AQMAs, their locations and monitoring results can be found in our air quality web page along with the actions we’re taking to further improve air quality across the borough. More information can also be found in our Sustainable Elmbridge Hub. 

You can find details about the proposal to revoke the AQMAs in the Cabinet report.